News Archive of June 2009

Bus Tours Provide Food for Thought for Entire City
Released Date: 28 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Comet

Northside United and its allies

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Alleged development 'flaws' cited in struggling North Side
Released Date: 26 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

As two yellow school buses carrying community activists, concerned citizens and city officials drove through Manchester on Thursday afternoon, Will Thompkins pointed out flaws of his neighborhood.

There was a community pool that closed years ago, next to rows of vacant homes with broken windows and boarded-up front doors. And down that alley, he said, a young man recently was shot and killed, one of several violent attacks in the area.

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The Wheels on the Bus Go Round
Released Date: 26 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh is a City

Continental Real Estate has been charged with building a hotel and entertainment complex on the North Side.

"At a city planning commission meeting two weeks ago, Barry Ford, Continental's president of development, said "it's inappropriate to ask a project developer to meet with private groups and help resolve their problems."'

During a morning coffee break, local blogger Cara Jette of PghIsACity said:

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Community benefits from bus tour
Released Date: 25 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh United took its Nothside campaign on a bus tour through the neighborhoods this afternoon, linking blighted conditions and episodes of violence to lack of opportunity for good jobs.

The coalition of 46 organizations is seeking a community benefits agreement with Continental Real Estate, the developer of a Hyatt Hotel and entertainment complex on the North Shore. Continental has not met with leaders of the campaign. (You can find out more about the campaign at www.youtube.com/pghunited.)

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Mayor Removes Board Members
Released Date: 25 Jun 2009

Press: WPXI

www.wpxi.com/video/19868757/

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Mayor removes Stadium Authority board member
Released Date: 23 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is replacing a city Stadium Authority board member who has criticized two North Shore land deals and an entertainment complex proposed by the Steelers and a Columbus developer.

Board Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian said she received word yesterday from the mayor's office that she was being replaced.

"I serve at the pleasure of the mayor and he has the right to replace me," she said during a brief phone interview.

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Ravenstahl removes head of Stadium Authority
Released Date: 22 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

A city Stadium Authority board member who criticized two North Shore land deals and an entertainment complex proposed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Columbus developer has been removed by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

Board Chairwoman Debbie Lestitian said this morning in a brief phone interview that she had been told by the mayor's office that she was being replaced.

"I serve at the pleasure of the mayor and he has the right to replace me," she said.

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Pittsburgh Mayor Ravenstahl dismisses Stadium Authority chairwoman
Released Date: 22 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today removed the chairwoman of Pittsburgh's Stadium Authority.

Debbie Lestitian, 43, of Brookline has led the five-member authority since July 2006, when she was appointed by then-Mayor Bob O'Connor.

Lestitian, an attorney with Downtown law firm Rothman Gordon, was informed of the decision this morning.

Ravenstahl's office did not immediately provide a reason for her dismissal.

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Stadium Authority questions delays, design of North Shore amphitheater
Released Date: 19 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The chairwoman of the city's Stadium Authority board raised concerns yesterday about potential delays in the construction of a $12 million North Shore entertainment complex and the design of the proposed facility.

Columbus developer Continental Real Estate Cos. and the Steelers may seek an extension of up to three years to finish a brick courtyard at the complex on the riverfront next to Heinz Field.

They have said they plan to have the entertainment venue itself up and running by May 1, 2010, as required under agreement with the authority.

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Stadium Authority questions delays, design of North Shore amphitheater
Released Date: 19 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The chairwoman of the city's Stadium Authority board raised concerns yesterday about potential delays in the construction of a $12 million North Shore entertainment complex and the design of the proposed facility.

Columbus developer Continental Real Estate Cos. and the Steelers may seek an extension of up to three years to finish a brick courtyard at the complex on the riverfront next to Heinz Field.

They have said they plan to have the entertainment venue itself up and running by May 1, 2010, as required under agreement with the authority.

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North vs. South: A Story of Two Amphitheaters
Released Date: 19 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh is a City

North

    * Millions of dollars of subsidies
    * Delayed time and again since 1997
    * Cost:$12 Million
    * Causes outrage in community
    * Broke rules set out by planning authority

South

    * $0 subsidies
    * Re-opened in less than 3 months after being forced to close due to casino issues
    * Cost: $50,000

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Planning commission OK's master plan for North Shore
Released Date: 12 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The city planning commission has approved Continental Development's master plan for the North Shore.

Members of Northside United and Pittsburgh United packed the hearing room on Tuesday to deride the plan for having not included representatives of the neighborhood's working poor.

The developers said they vetted the plan with representatives of the Northside Leadership Conference, but Northside United has claimed for months that its membership was not part of that vetting.

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Steelers, developers ask for another extension on North Shore complex
Released Date: 5 Jun 2009

Press: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Steelers and a Columbus developer are seeking yet another extension in completing part of a proposed $12 million year-round entertainment complex to be built next to Heinz Field.

Continental Real Estate Cos. and the team have asked the city's Stadium Authority for up to three more years to complete aesthetic-related elements of the project, state Rep. Jake Wheatley, an authority board member, said yesterday.

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